Investigating how SGLT2 inhibitors can help treat fatty liver disease in children
Official title: Mechanisms of SGLT2 Inhibition in Pediatric NAFLD
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11039933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of medication called SGLT2 inhibitors can help reduce liver fat in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, especially those who are overweight or have insulin resistance, to find better treatment options for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $603,223 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136207-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years who are diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and exhibit signs of obesity or insulin resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or those who have already developed type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common liver disease in children and often linked to obesity and insulin resistance. The study aims to explore the effects of sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on reducing liver fat in pediatric patients who are not yet diabetic. By examining how these medications can improve liver health and metabolic function, the research seeks to provide new treatment options for affected children. The approach includes assessing changes in liver fat and metabolic markers in a controlled clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective pharmacotherapy options for children suffering from NAFLD, improving their liver health and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with SGLT2 inhibitors in adults, but this approach in the pediatric population is novel and has not yet been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryder, Justin R. — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ryder, Justin R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD
A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
We’re following people over time to see how the gut microbiome and diet relate to fatty liver disease progression in diverse racial/ethnic groups.
-
Genetic and environmental risk for fatty liver cancer in Latinos (GENIAL)
A study to understand why Latino people with fatty liver disease might be more likely to develop liver cancer and to use genetic and environmental clues to predict who is at higher risk.
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Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
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Role of cholesterol metabolism in toxin-driven liver disease
This grant explores how a liver toxin called TCDD affects cholesterol and fatty liver disease, and how a key enzyme (HMGCR) might change that risk in adults.
-
Small blood particle signals and fatty liver in children and teens
Researchers are looking at whether molecules carried in tiny blood particles can explain or signal fatty liver disease in children and adolescents with excess weight.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.